Bushnell The Truth - Team Primos Approved

Bushnell has introduced a new archery rangefinder called The Truth which is being endorsed by call maker Primos. This bowhunting rangefinder replaces their previous Bowhunter model that was endorsed by Chuck Adams and is essentially and updated version of that model.

What is Different?

Range

While the original Bowhunter rangefinder was rated for a maximum distance of 800 yards the new The Truth versions extends the max range to 850 yards; however both units are still listed as reading deer out to 200 yards, and state the maximum ranges as being under favorable conditions on reflective targets.

Compensated Range

While the Chuck Adams Edition rangefinder was capable of displaying angle compensated readings out to 99 yards, the new The Truth version will give these angle corrected reading out to 199 yards. After that both units are capable of line of sight readings only.

What Stayed the Same?

4x Magnification

The Truth, like its predecessor, comes equipped with 4x magnification which is the lowest power available on any archery style rangefinder currently available. While higher magnification has the benefit of offering more precision at longer ranges; at closer ranges lower magnifications offer the advantage of more field of view. A larger field of view can be beneficial to the archery hunter who needs to quickly acquire targets often at ranges of 50 yards or less.

Bow Mode

This new rangefinder also retains the Bow setting of Bushnell’s ARC (Angle Range Compensation) feature. Basically, when the user ranges a target the line of sight reading will display. If you want an angle compensated reading you wait until the line of sight range is displayed and then continue holding the power/range button down for two more seconds after which both the angle (in degrees) and the angle compensated yardage will display below the line of sight yardage.

2 Year Warranty

Like the Bowhunter, The Truth rangefinder is covered by a two year warranty against defects in material or workmanship. Many other archery rangefinders come with a similar warranty but that only lasts for one year. However, reading the manual it looks like the owner is responsible for shipping both ways.

Perma Focus

The Truth rangefinder features the Perma Focus eyepiece which unlike most all other rangefinders is not adjustable. The idea behind the Perma Focus is that the unit comes focused from the factory and never needs focusing. However, if your eyes don’t agree there is no adjustable diopter to get the unit’s reticle into focus with your eyes.

At the close ranges that most archery hunting takes place, the 4x magnification is a good option for quickly picking up targets and for following moving targets. While this magnification will likely limit its effectiveness at the longer ranges it’s rated for, The Truth is above all an archery rangefinder and is one of only a few rangefinders currently available with 4x magnification.

Angle Compensated

Unless you are rifle hunting is some very steep terrain the average rifle hunter will probably not benefit a lot from angle compensated readings. However, if you archery hunt from a treestand this feature can be helpful especially since the difference of a few yards in range can make the difference between a hit and a miss when a bowhunting.

Affordable

It doesn’t matter how good a rangefinder is if you can’t afford it. The Truth currently sells for about $210 which is pretty impressive for a rangefinder that is capable of giving angle compensated readings out to 199 yards. Most rangefinders in this price range report line of sight distances only and generally feature a 6x magnification and are therefore better suited as a general purpose entry/budget rangefinder.

Bad

Screen clutter

The unit displays the line of sight distance under the reticle’s crosshairs, then the angle of the shot, and the angle compensated yardage directly below the line of sight reading. So there are three numbers all of which will likely be double digit numbers stacked together. For example, say the line of sight distance is 32; the angle in degrees is 43 and the compensated range in 23. In a stressful/exciting hunting situation grabbing the wrong number is possible. At very least it makes for a cluttered screen, and while extreme long range rifle shooters may be interested in the angle of a shot displayed in degrees, we can think of no reason to display that information on an archery rangefinder.

No Target Priority

Unlike the higher end Bushnell rangefinder models, The Truth doesn’t have the Brush and Bullseye target priority modes for dealing with split readings. These modes allow the user to tell the unit how to handle scenarios when the unit receives the range to two objects on a single push of the button. Many archers prefer a rangefinder that will ignore the closer of the two objects, often branches or brush, and report only the distance of the furthest object usually the intended target. However, target priority modes aren’t even available on some high end archery rangefinders and generally add significant cost to the units that are equipped with this feature.

Conclusion

While the new The Truth rangefinder offers some improvement over its predecessor, for most practical purposes doesn’t amount too much more than a name and endoresment change. However, The Truth does bring a lot to the table with its low magnification, angle compensated reading capability, and affordable price. While the lack of a target priority feature, and screen clutter will be a turn off for some others will gladly accept these features or lack there of in return for its relatively modest price. Despite its long range capabilities, The Truth rangefinder is probably best suited for the bowhunter who wants an affordable rangefinder capable of giving angle compensated readings.

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